Zeiss Zm 21 2.8 M9

P.1 #2 p.1 #2 Zeiss 21 2.8 ZM tested on NEX: Piss-poor testing rangefinder lenses on a mirrorless interchangeable lens compact by SLRGear. These cameras (NEX, m4/3, Samsung NX) are not designed for traditional rangefinder lenses and lack the microlens offset to get sharp corners. Oh and before anyone complains that an M9 is too. The Zeiss 28mm f2.8 ZM is a lens designed for the Leica M mount. But that doesn't mean that those cameras are all that can utilize the lens.

• Zeiss Zm 21 2.8 M9 Price
• Zeiss Zm 21 2.8 M9 1
• Zeiss Zm 21 2.8 M9 2

Thanks, Andy.Out of interest does anyone know if it's the same mid-range focus problem that occurred with the 35 Summilux FLE shortly after its release by any chance?Pete.I don't know what the Summilux problem was, but I was within an ace of driving over to my Leica dealer to pick up the Super Elmar on the first day. I got a call to say they had discovered a problem (with both of the lenses they had been sent) which caused the focus ring to get very, very tight when the lens was mounted on a body.Steve. I don't know what the Summilux problem was.Steve,As I understand it, the 1st version 35 Summilux asph was heavily criticised when the M8 appeared and it was found to commonly back-focus at wide apertures. It hadn't previously been noted because the thickness of the film was enough to mask the problem.When the version 2 (FLE) was produced Solms made sure that each lens was tested and adjusted for accurate focus at wide apertures close up and at infinity. After the lens shipped several customers complained of focussing problems (I think) at middle distances. This is an apocryphal account but came from a reliable source.Pete.

So this lens (3.4/21) seems to have several problems. I had one and mechanics were better than with any other new M lens I have. But I experienced the issue that the rangefinder was out of focus at infinity (this issue also came up in another thread). I called Leica about it as I wanted to use the lens in two weeks time but was asked to return the lens now. So far they don't seem to have a clue what happened and how long it will take to fix it (at least that was my impression on the phone).

A bit annoying - it is not the first time they launch a new lens, isn't it?Unfortunately the Zeiss 2.8/21 isn't an option for me anymore. It was my preference until I read about the issue with light coming in due to a differently placed screw on the current mount. This seems to happen with long/very long exposures.

I think there is a thread in rangefinderforurm about this. Might not be an issue for everyone, but I am a bit fed up with all the restrictions one has to take into account when taking photos with the M system. Unfortunately the Zeiss 2.8/21 isn't an option for me anymore. It was my preference until I read about the issue with light coming in due to a differently placed screw on the current mount. This seems to happen with long/very long exposures. I think there is a thread in rangefinderforurm about this.

Zeiss Zm 21 2.8 M9 Price

Might not be an issue for everyone, but I am a bit fed up with all the restrictions one has to take into account when taking photos with the M system.As I understand the light leak problem is because an inset screw on the lens mount directly coincides with a similar screw on the body flange. Now I'm not saying anybody have have to do a DIY fix on a brand new £1000 Zeiss lens, but it would seem simple enough to fill the indentation over the screw head with something non-permanent but robust, perhaps wax. Two minutes work would then save spending an additional £1000 on the Super Elmar.Steve.

Balancing a super-wide focal length with a compact form factor, the black Biogon T. 21mm f/2.8 ZM from ZEISS is a versatile lens designed for M-mount rangefinder cameras.

Its wide-angle design is complemented by a Biogon optical concept, which nearly eliminates distortion for well-corrected, accurate rendering. A T. anti-reflective coating has also been applied to individual elements to reduce lens flare and ghosting for greater color accuracy and contrast in strong lighting conditions. Additionally, the lens's manual focus design permits working with subjects as close as 1.6' away. Rated 5 out of5 byRonindog fromEdge to Edge Sharpness like no other I purchased this lens, on impulse, for a trip with my M9. I already own the incredible 28mm Summicron, but thought something a bit wider may be necessary, and the Leica 21 was not in stock (no surprise). I was not at all disappointed.

Zeiss Zm 21 2.8 M9 1

This lens is incredibly sharp, edge to edge, even at 2.8! The color rendition is outstanding and it is built like fine instrument. The focus is silky smooth and well dampened. Flare is very well controlled. Do yourself a favor, save the money you are considering spending on a Leica and get this lens. With the money left over, go on a nice trip and use the lens!

Zeiss Zm 21 2.8 M9 2

Rated 4 out of5 byAnonymous fromCompares well to Leica M lenses for M9. I have purchased and used on my M9 Leica's Summicron lenses at 35 and 50mm, and really appreciate them for their handling and sharpness, but chose to give this Zeiss wide angle lens a try after reading various reviews. I've used this 21mm a few times primarily for taking photos of historic homes in older neighborhoods where you often can't get far enough away to use 35 or 50mm lenses and get the whole subject in. Results have been very good, nearly as impressive as my experience with the two Leica M lenses mentioned. Definitely a quality product all around. Rated 5 out of5 byrmkline fromgreat lens I bought this for my M9 based on many positive online reviews, and a relative unwillingness to pay $6500 to try a Leica.

I have to say I am absolutely delighted with it. I have already produced images so much to my liking that I suspect I will never part with it (and I've already parted with several Leicas). I haven't used a Leica 21, but this lens is every bit the equal (if not better) in the quality of images it produces of the Leica 28/2.8, 28/2, 35/2, 50/2, 50/1.4, and 75/1.4. That it is offered at the price it is is just ridiculous.

Chris - I am not a big fan of lens hoods on ultra-wide lens as there is a risk of vignetting. A lens hood would only provide a very minor shade covering for a 21mm anyway. Besides a Leica, I also shoot with a Nikon 800e with an ultra-wide angle.I just do not bother with the useless hood that came with the lens. If sun flare may be an issue, I usually just use my hand to shade the lens (obviously keeping my hand out of the photo!). Otherwise, use a tripod and something like a card, your hand, a hat, etc to shade the lens from the flare.

Great lens for wide landscapes. Cheers, Kent.